THE REVERED THRONE of the Alaafin of Oyo has finally found a new custodian, as Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade has been officially approved by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
The announcement, made on Friday by Dotun Oyelade, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, concludes a lengthy process to fill the throne left vacant since the passing of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.
Born in 1975 into the distinguished Owoade-Agunloye royal family in Oyo town, Prince Owoade brings with him a unique blend of global experience, academic excellence, and a commitment to community development.
Early Life and Education
Prince Akeem Owoade hails from the Agure Compound in Oyo town. He is one of the surviving children of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade, a descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade. His lineage firmly ties him to the cultural and historical legacy of the Alaafin throne.
He began his education at Baptist High School, Saki, Oyo State, where he completed his secondary schooling in 1992. A passion for engineering led him to pursue a National Diploma (ND) in Mechanical Engineering from The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, from 1994 to 1997. He later earned a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, in 2001.
After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program with the Nigeria Gas Company in 2002 as a Mechanical Intern/Planner, he briefly worked as a teller at Oceanic Bank International Plc in Warri from 2003 to 2004.
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His quest for advanced education took him to the United Kingdom, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland in 2008 and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northumbria University in 2012. He further enhanced his professional credentials by obtaining Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2015.
Professional Career
Prince Owoade’s professional journey reflects a rich blend of technical expertise and leadership. He began as a Planning Engineer at Oil Reach Company in Glasgow before relocating to Canada. In Canada, he serves as a Project Coordinator at Manitoba Hydro, a leading utility provider. He is also the president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a real estate investment and financial services firm based in Manitoba, Canada.
Cultural and Philanthropic Contributions
Beyond his professional achievements, Prince Owoade has demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy and cultural preservation. Known for his steadfast and reliable nature, he has consistently supported relatives, friends, and his community both in Nigeria and abroad. His philanthropic initiatives include empowering widows and widowers, promoting youth vocational training, and contributing to cultural preservation through Yoruba cultural organisations in the diaspora.
The Journey to the Throne
The process of selecting a new Alaafin was a rigorous one, involving consultations and divinations by the Oyomesi, the traditional council of kingmakers in Oyo. Initially, an 86-man list of contenders was announced in September 2022, from which Prince Owoade emerged as the preferred candidate of his royal family. Despite earlier controversies surrounding the selection process, Governor Seyi Makinde endorsed the Oyomesi’s final recommendation, officially appointing Prince Owoade as the Alaafin of Oyo.
As the new Alaafin, Prince Owoade is expected to bring a modern, global perspective to the throne while remaining deeply rooted in Yoruba traditions.
Governor Makinde expressed confidence in Prince Owoade’s ability to uphold the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution, stating, “We pray that his reign brings progress and harmony to the people of Oyo and strengthens the historic legacy of the Alaafin institution.”
Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade’s ascent marks the beginning of a new chapter for Oyo, blending tradition with innovation under the leadership of a globally experienced and culturally conscious monarch.
